length DODGE SPRINTER 2008 2.G Owners Manual

305 Operation
Driving tips
4
For the permissible weights and ratings,
refer to the following table.
!
CAUTION
Cargo vans with a long wheelbase of
170.3 in (4325 mm) and an overall
vehicle length of 289.1 in (7344 mm)
have a reduced GTW and TWR.
iThe GVWR and the front/rear GAWR
of your vehicle are indicated on the
certification label.
!
CAUTION
For vehicle model type 3500, the al-
lowable GCWR is less than the com-
bined maximum weight of the GVWR
and the GTW. Exceeding the GCWR
can cause damage to the drive train,
the transmission, or the trailer
hitch*.
Thus, the permissible values for
GVWR and/or the GTW are reduced
when either the trailer or the vehicle
is fully laden. you may therefore only
partly load the vehicle and/or the
trailer.
nf_BA.book Page 305 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

306 OperationDriving tips
4
Sprinter
type
GVWR
GAWR (FA)
GAWR (RA)
GCWR
GTW
TWR
2500
8550 lbs (3878 kg)
3970 lbs (1801 kg)
5360 lbs
(2431 kg)
13500 lbs
(6123 kg)
5000 lbs (2268 kg)
500 lbs (227 kg)
3500
9990 lbs (4531 kg)
4080 lbs (1851 kg)
7060 lbs
(3202 kg)
15250 lbs
(6917 kg)
5000 lbs (2268 kg) or
5000 lbs (2268 kg)
1
500 lbs (227 kg) or
500 lbs (227 kg)
1
4410 lbs
(2000 kg)*
3500
11030 lbs
(5003 kg)
4080 lbs (1851 kg)
7720 lbs
(3502 kg)
15250 lbs
(6917 kg)
5000 lbs (2268 kg) or
5000 lbs (2268 kg)
1
500 lbs (227 kg) or
500 lbs (227 kg)
1
4410 lbs
(2000 kg)*
1 Cargo vans with a long wheelbase of 170.3 in (4325 mm) and an overall vehicle length of 289.1 in (7344 mm) only.
* optional equipmentnf_BA.book Page 306 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

308 OperationDriving tips
4
Attaching a trailerPlease observe the maximum permitted
trailer dimensions (width and length).
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require safety chains between your tow
vehicle and the trailer. The chains should
be crisscrossed under the trailer tongue.
They must be attached to the hitch re-
ceiver, and not to the vehicle’s bumper
or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in
the chains to permit turning corners.
iMost states and all Canadian prov-
inces require a separate brake sys-
tem at various trailer weights.
Warning
G
Do not connect a trailer brake system (if
trailer is so equipped) directly to the vehi-
cle’s hydraulic brake system as your vehi-
cle is equipped with antilock brakes. If
you do, neither the vehicle’s brakes nor
the trailer’s brakes will function properly.
This could cause an accident resulting in
property damage, injury or death to you or
others.The provided vehicle electrical wiring har-
ness for trailer towing has a brake signal
wire for hook-up to a brake controller.
Continued
Warning (Continued)
G
Most states and all Canadian provinces
require a break-away switch on trailers
with a separate brake system. The switch
activates the trailer brakes in the possible
event that the trailer might separate from
the tow vehicle.You should consider using a trailer sway
control system. For further information,
see your authorized Sprinter Dealer.
nf_BA.book Page 308 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

322 OperationEngine compartment
4
Mechanical elements and the lubricants
used for them must be carefully
matched.
For this reason, only brands tested and
approved by the manufacturer should be
used. Please contact your Sprinter Deal-
er to obtain the necessary information.
No lubricant additives should be used.
The use of such additives could affect
your warranty rights. Information is
available from any authorized Sprinter
Dealer.For specifications of engine oils, coolant
and brake fluid, see "Service products
and capacities" (
\2
page 604) and con-
tact your authorized Sprinter Dealer.The vehicle consumes a maximum of
1 US qt (1.0 l) oil per 620 miles
(1000 km), depending on your driving
style.
Engine oil consumption may even be
higher if:
\4
the vehicle is new
\4
you mainly operate the vehicle under
arduous operating conditions
\4
you often drive at high engine
speeds
The engine oil consumption can only be
judged after a lengthy distance has been
covered.
Service products
Warning
G
If handled incorrectly, service products
can constitute a health risk for people and
an environmental hazard.
Always observe relevant guidelines for
handling, storing and disposing of service
products.
Engine oil
nf_BA.book Page 322 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM

581 Practical hints
Jump-starting
5
\3 Jump-startingIf the starter battery in the battery re-
cess in the driver’s footwell is dis-
charged, the engine can be jump-started
from another vehicle using jump leads.
For this purpose, the vehicle is equipped
with a jump-starting connection point.
Please note:
\4
Jump-starting must only be per-
formed when the engine and catalyt-
ic converter are cold.
\4
Do not start the engine if the battery
has frozen. Let the battery thaw out
first.
\4
Only use a battery of the same rated
voltage and of approximately the
same capacity for jump-starting.
\4
Only use jumper cables of adequate
cross-section with insulated battery
terminal clamps.
iThe auxiliary battery* in the engine
compartment is not suitable for
jump-starting operations. Only use
the jump-starting connection in the
engine compartment if you require
jump-starting assistance or wish to
provide jump-starting assistance.
!
CAUTION
Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Never start the vehicle using a rapid
battery charger.
Warning
G
Avoid creating sparks. Keep naked flames
away from the battery, and do not smoke.
Comply with safety precautions and spe-
cial protective measures when handling
batteries (\2page 335).
nf_BA.book Page 581 Friday, January 25, 2008 3:53 PM